WordPress Push Notification: The Best Kept Secret in Digital Marketing

Push notifications play an essential role in the digital marketing ecosystem. Especially for WordPress-based websites, these notifications offer an immediate and personalized communication channel, redefining the way brands interact with their users.

What are push notifications?

Push notifications, or “push notifications” in English, are short and direct messages that applications or websites send to a user’s devices, even when the application is not open. They emerged as a solution to keep users informed and have evolved to adapt to different operating systems and devices.
A classic example of a push notification on the web is when you visit a news site or a blog, and a small pop-up box appears in the upper left or right corner of your browser. This box usually says something like:

“Do you want to receive the latest news/notifications from [site name]?”

If you decide to click “Allow,” from that moment on, you will receive push notifications in your browser every time that site publishes a new story or update, even if you don’t have the website open at that time. On the other hand, if you click “Block,” you will not receive notifications from that site.

Types of push notifications

• Web push notifications: These are received through a web browser on computers or mobile devices.
• Mobile push notifications: Exclusive to mobile devices and managed by operating systems such as Android or iOS.
• Desktop push notifications: They appear directly on a computer’s desktop.
• Push notifications for wearables: Designed for smartwatches and other wearable devices.

Advantages of using push notifications in marketing agencies

Push notifications can:

• Improve user engagement and retention.
• Adapt to the specific profile of the user, offering personalization.
• Reduce cart abandonment in online stores.
• Be more cost-effective than other marketing methods.

How are push notifications activated and received?

From the user’s perspective, when visiting an application or website, a request to activate notifications may appear. For agencies, it is vital to obtain the user’s consent or “opt-in” before sending them.

Best practices for designing and sending push notifications

It is essential:

• Use short messages with clear calls to action.
• Control the sending frequency.
• Segment and personalize according to the audience.
• Include attractive images, icons, and buttons.
• Appeal to urgency to drive actions.

Recommended tools and plugins for WordPress to implement push notifications

There are several popular plugins you can use. Some of the most recommended are:

• OneSignal: It is one of the most popular and offers a quite generous free version.
• Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): Provided by Google, it is another excellent option, especially if you are already using other Firebase services.
• PushEngage: Offers advanced features such as segmentation and scheduling.

Do not overwhelm your visitors with too many notifications. The quality and relevance of the message is key to maintaining good engagement and not losing subscribers.

Push notifications and email marketing: How to combine them efficiently?

Both tools, if used together, can enhance marketing campaigns, leveraging the immediacy of push notifications and the depth of email marketing.

Companies that use it

Leading companies such as Just Eat, Amazon, and Netflix have implemented push notifications with remarkable results, improving their connection with users and increasing their conversions.

Practical fictional case: “MarketGuru” Agency and its client “EcoModa”

Context: The digital marketing agency “MarketGuru” is hired by “EcoModa,” an online eco-friendly clothing store looking to increase sales and strengthen its presence in the digital world. Despite having quality products and an attractive value proposition, “EcoModa” has struggled to retain its customers and convert visits into effective purchases.
Objective: Increase sales by 30% in the next quarter and improve engagement with current customers.

Push Notifications Strategy: “MarketGuru” proposes implementing push notifications on “EcoModa’s” website with the following specific objectives:

1. Recovery of abandoned carts: Send a push notification to users who add products to the cart but do not complete the purchase. The notification could include a special discount or a friendly reminder.
2. New releases and offers: Notify users about new products or clothing lines, as well as exclusive promotions.
3. Customer feedback: After a purchase, send a notification requesting a brief survey or a product rating.

Implementation: “MarketGuru” uses the “OneSignal” plugin on “EcoModa’s” WordPress site to manage and schedule notifications. They configure personalized messages based on user behavior, ensuring that the notifications are relevant and timely.
Results: After three months:

1. Recovery of abandoned carts increased by 20%, resulting in a direct increase in sales.
2. The launch of a new clothing line saw 40% more sales in the first few days thanks to the push notification sent to subscribers.
3. The surveys and ratings obtained through notifications helped “EcoModa” to improve some of its products and better understand the needs and desires of its customers.

Push notifications, when used strategically and personalized, can be a powerful tool for businesses.

Final Conclusions

Push notifications, when used strategically and personalized, can be a powerful tool for businesses. In the case of “EcoModa,” with the help of “MarketGuru,” they managed to not only reach but exceed their initial sales and engagement goals. To learn more about modern marketing strategies and how they can benefit agencies, we invite you to read The power of outbound marketing in modern agencies. In the digital age, adapting and leveraging available tools is the key to standing out and succeeding in today’s competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between notification and push notifications?

A notification is any type of alert, while push notifications specifically refer to the alerts sent by applications or websites, even when they are not in use.

Is there a cost for sending push notifications?

Some platforms offer free basic versions, but as the audience and the number of notifications increase, it may be necessary to hire paid plans.

Can push notifications be blocked?

Yes, users have the option to block or allow notifications from specific websites or applications.

Are push notifications secure?

Generally, yes, as long as they are managed and sent by reputable platforms and plugins. It is crucial to respect users’ privacy and comply with data protection regulations.